Rock Camp
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Road access may be temporarily closed during wet weather due to adobe clay road conditions or after wildfire damage.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
About
Rock Camp is a small, primitive campground nestled in the Los Padres National Forest along Big Caliente Road. With only 2 campsites, this intimate campground provides a rustic camping experience under the shade of old oak trees next to a creek surrounded by large rocks. The campground's proximity to Big Caliente Hot Springs, located just half a mile away, makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy the natural hot springs. Access to Rock Camp requires driving on unpaved forest roads, with the last section following Big Caliente Road (5N16) which consists of adobe clay requiring higher clearance vehicles in poor weather conditions. From East Camino Cielo at Pendola Station, the campground is approximately 2 miles up Big Caliente Road. The area can also be accessed via hiking or mountain biking trails for those preferring non-motorized approaches. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. It typically fills on weekends and during deer hunting season from mid-August through late September. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient and bring all necessary water, as no potable water is available at the campground. The remote location and minimal development make this an ideal spot for experienced campers seeking solitude in the backcountry.
Directions
From Santa Barbara, take Highway 101 northwest for 8 miles to Highway 154. Drive 25 miles east on East Camino Cielo to Pendola Station. Turn right onto Big Caliente Road (5N16) and continue 2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!